Tinea Cruris

Definition

Tinea cruris is a fungal infection of the groin, known as Jock Itch, that causes burning and itching. The itching is often accompanied by a burning sensation. Typically it appears as an itchy, red, scaly rash on the inner thighs and groin. Jock itch is caused by moisture and heat confined by athletic supporters, or spandex shorts, tight underwear which causes the fungus to multiply and spread over the genital area. It can may be occur at any age, but it is more common in adults.

Jock itch can affect women, but most affects men, especially men who perspire heavily. Jock itch may be contagious. A fungal infection of the skin, occurring more commonly in warm weather.

Causes of tinea cruris

The main Causes of tinea cruris may includes:-

• Wearing wet, dam or unlaundered and tight clothing.
• Infrequent showering, especially after exercising may cause tinea cruris.
• The infection is contagious and can be spread by direct contact. It can also be passed indirectly from person to person, via damp towels for instance.
• A weak immune system, may also the main cause of tinea cruris.
• The warm, moist environment is the perfect place for the fungus to grow, thus become a cause of tinea cruris.
• An obese person is more prone to get affected by tinea cruris.
• Using public showers or locker rooms.
• Lichen simplex chronicus, may help in the production of tinea cruris in the body.
• Formation of eczema may also a cause of Tinea cruris.
• Chemical irritation, can cause tinea cruris.

The fungi that causes tinea cruris can be divided into three groups. Geophile such as fungi preferring earth. Zoophile such as fungi preferring animals. Anthropophile such as fungi preferring humans.

Symptoms for tinea cruris

Some important symptoms includes:-

• There is often burning sensation in the infected area.
• The disease is most active at the edges of the patch.
• Itching in groin, thigh skin folds, or anus are also form the symptom list of this disease.
• Abnormally dark or light skin.
• The painful expanding rash may also occur due to skin infection.
• The ridge around the infected area is often very different in color and feel to the surrounding uninfected skin.
• Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. The patches often have sharply-defined edges. This may create the appearance of a ring.

Treatment for tinea cruris

Important and common treatment for tinea cruris may includes:

• Keep skin dry and clean. Washing the affected area with antibacterial soap will help in killing the fungus.
• Wash body towels after each use and do not share your towel with anyone to prevent the spread of infection.
• Wear Cotton Underwear to avoid this disease.
• Use drying powders and products that reduce sweating. Powders are good for using during the day, since they absorb moisture.
• Apply nothing else to your groin except water. Cleanse your groin with plain water.
• An anti-fungal medicine taken by mouth is sometimes prescribed if the rash does not clear with a cream.
• Don't wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area.